Tag Archives: Nature and Home

Landscape Conversations – One becomes two

2015-06-21 10.40.36

Renee Lindstrom  & Guest Writer ~ Dyan Grant Francis

  • Observations Written by Renee Lindstrom,
  • Personal Perspectives by Renee Lindstrom &  Dyan Grant Francis individually

Observations of Property

These two houses replaced one house on a corner lot creating two house numbers replacing one.   Each similar yet different!  Different roof lines, one has a garage in front and one appears to have a larger lot.  Each have wood  and grey siding features yet opposite of each other with black framing. Front Doors feature glass windows as does the one with front  facing garage.  The one that does not have a front facing garage, there are two windows.      The wood element  is represented by the rectangular house and window shapes,  metal in the color grey, water in the black trim color and the windows and fire in shape angles of the roof.  The wood side represents the wood element, yet the horizontal angle represents earth.  Viewing these two homes together one can see one is more yang and one more yin.  The roof design and shift in colors to opposite sides of the house and addition of garage change create these differences.    

Numerological House Number

  • Yin house:  1  reflects – new beginnings, independence, one with life, individuality, self-development, creativity,  progress
  • Yang House:  4 reflects – security,  foundation, 4 directions, 5 elements, discipline, productivity, organization, work & service

Read more on the meaning of house numbers….

Cardinal Direction of Front Doors – North-East

A North – East  facing front door is considered a yin and yang balance.

This  is consider the doorway direction of  spirituality and personal growth that represents higher education.  It is  considered an earth element.  

Read more on the 5 elements


Personal Perspectives by Renee Lindstrom

These two homes took between one and two years to sell once completed.  This influence could have been human, landscape or a bit of both!  The pre-existing house prior was in the process of having the interior re-constructed when it was blocked by city stop and closure permit.  The original owner lost the property in the process and it sat vacant as an empty shell for a year.  When the property changed hands the house was torn down and a large hole was left where the basement was and  sat gaping for another year.      My curiosity always; how does the relationship with landscape affect human experiences!  Is there a connection to the length of time of the sale of these two homes contingent to the history?  Or is it the story of design and placement  that is creating a new history?

These two homes are minimalist style houses with slight variations in their similar design features.  These variations and placements make each unique.  The corner house appears to be sitting on a larger part of the property and with its high-peaked roof that seems to tower over the second one.  This is enhanced by the lack of a front facing garage and how closely placed it is to the second one.  This house has three sharp angles  to create a missing corner on the upper level of the house facing the intersection it sits on.   This house is the more dominant one of the two and with its number 4 the experience of its occupants may be focused on working and service.  A 4 out of balance may be working too hard.

The second house has a smaller footprint on the property and more than half their front yard is driveway.  This together with dominant siding painted grey and black, metal and water, this  essence is of a more inward and reflective quality.  A yin experience!  There are also three sharp corners, yet visually more subtle with the roof angles and siding choices.  The upward angle of the roof is a slight action statement of  fire,  yet, it is a negative roof line influence, it  suggests stagnant water sitting on the  flat roof gathered by the angle.  While in the first house the angled corners are aimed at the intersection, this one has angles aimed at the large unsightly power pole in the corner of the property.  Again a reflection between the two qualities – obvious and illusive!  The number one in this house represents being one with life that fits in with this house style that reflects a more contemplative lifestyle.

The North-East facing doors of these two houses reflect Yin and Yang balance.  This is a nice example of two homes side by side reflecting both yin and yang.  I suspect an example of spiritual personal growth and higher education reflected by these  two houses could be in the Yang house the dominant occupant may be a University Professor, Spiritual Leader, or Philosopher and in the Yin house they may practice contemplation.


Personal Perspectives by Dyan Grant Francis

These homes are a good example of the lifestyle choices that we are making as a society these days.  The large corner lot has been subdivided into two small lots.  This has resulted in the demolition of the large home with its history and character, mature trees and old gardens.  The result is two modern, small units placed side-by-side with virtually no side yard between them and no appreciable front and back yards.
With the change in zoning, it becomes a case of ‘in-fill’.  Land, especially urban land, is at a premium and building practices/choices are showing this.  Without knowing the square footage, its difficult to categorize the style as a ‘tiny home’ or a ‘laneway home’.
In terms of 5 Element theory, the initial observations is that one home reflects the wood element (cedar siding and green ‘stucco’), one reflects the water element (blue ‘stucco’ and black trim with some cedar siding).  Their design is complimentary and trim colour is black (water) in both cases.  The water element strengthens wood.  The exterior treatment creates a harmonious impression.
The water house has a large stone driveway strengthening metal and draining water to some extent.  The wood house has a small stone walkway and dark stone facing on the street level which is not large enough to significantly drain the wood element.  The landscaping does not either enhance or detract from the key elements of water and wood.

If you are longing for a personal consultation please inquire privately:
renee@insideawareness.com.

Renee Lindstrom offers:
Indoor & Outdoor Landscape Life & Wellness Consulting & Coaching which enhances relationships, emotions and flexible movement awareness!
Workshops and Events

.

*Contact Dyan Grant Francis @  The Maturing Edge

Thinking of a Roof Top Gardens

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5 Element Theory is a philosophy based upon connection with nature and a perspective that nature includes both natural elements and their cultural meanings. With this in mind a roof top garden is situated on the top of an image of ones head.  In the design of a building the windows are the eyes and the door is the door and the foundation are the feet.  Therefore the top or roof of the building is the loftier function of achievement and intelligence.

Garden plants and colors are in the element of wood which supports the element of fire.  Fire is a favorable roof element.   However, earth drains fire!  Too much earth will drain the energy out of the fire element and water will extinguish it.

A roof top garden should be one that does not need much watering or hold standing water.  Ideally it would be one that is inviting to come out onto the roof to sit and enjoy alone or gather in groups.  Keep in mind that any sitting areas would be enhanced by adding a roof, ie. umbrella over tables.

One exception could be the roof top garden on top of Fenway Stadium that is supplying the food vendors at the stadium with fresh greens.  The stadium now sells only healthy foods made from this garden replacing the greasy fat foods previously sold  This is a fundamental educative experience!


For more:

 


If you are longing for a personal consultation please inquire privately:
renee@insideawareness.com.

Renee Lindstrom offers:
Indoor & Outdoor Landscape Life & Wellness Consulting & Coaching which enhances relationships, emotions and flexible movement awareness!

5 ELEMENT NOTES ON ROOFING MATERIALS

Color and material are important when it comes to choosing roofing materials.

Fire Element:

This element is considered auspicious for a roof, however the connect to earth and nature is a primary focus.  Natural Eco-friendly materials are available in Wood and Earth Elements may be considered over artificial paints and stains in the fire category.  This includes; orange, purple, red, pink, gold and the bright yellow spectrum.

Wood Element:

Wood Elements support fire which symbolizes stimulating wealth so wood elements are the first choice.  This could be cedar roof shingles that are natural and  eco-friendly or simply painted green or brown which represents the color of wood!  This may also include Living Gardens with a specific purpose – read more.

Earth Element:

Roofing materials such as  natural tiles and slate show  the earth element which would be second choice after the wood element.  These can be the earth tones of reds, yellows, sands and browns. The earth element is the balance of yin & yang.  

Metal Element:  An unfavorable choice are materials in the metal element such as metal roofing materials.   It is only recommended only for garages and garden sheds.  The color of metal is white and grey.  Metal creates water and this is the element that is not highly recommended in roofing materials.  

Water Element:  Black and blue reflects the color of water.  This is not a favored color for a roof as it represents draining away like a waterfall into the earth.  This can show loss of  physical, emotional and mental strength.  Those with lower constitutions do not achieve success and create the lives they dream of.


For more:

 

If you are longing for a personal consultation please inquire privately:
renee@insideawareness.com.

Renee Lindstrom offers:
Indoor & Outdoor Landscape Life & Wellness Consulting & Coaching which enhances relationships, emotions and flexible movement awareness!

 

Favorable and Not so Favorable Roof Styles

Considering architecture is important for creating harmony as it is a silent stimulus to ones well-being.    The levels in the design of a building reflect elements in all living things;  grounded at the base and rising upwards to the heaven.  A building foundation and basement are the roots, the mid-section is the function and the higher you go the loftier the function!  This includes the style and material of roof that tops the home or building!  The philosophy is the roof can bring good fortune as well as be visually pleasing and functional.  It protects the building and those inside from the elements.   

A favorable roof is an attractive one.  Therefore color, materials, and style matter.  When deciding on a roof design remember that symmetrical roofs and exteriors can increase abundance  and is considered lucky with all things money. A rectangular and sloping roof design signifies determination, perseverance, greater communication and wisdom.

Two types of corner edges to consider when choosing a roof style are:  

  • Rounded Corner Edges

The favored roof is one that has rounded edges versus sharp corners.  Rounded edges show no beginning and no end – infinity.  The edges also soften and show a softer flow.  

  • Sharp Corner Edges 

Sharp corners show the need for protection inside the home or business from exterior danger.  

5 element notes on roof styles:

  • Pyramid,  Tepee, & roofs facing the 4 Cardinal Directions

Church-of-Truth-003-300x225This style of roof is a great conductor of sound and rises up to the heavens.  It is a design often seen in spiritual centers, churches and spaces for contemplative arts.


  • Symmetrical, Gable & Hip Roofs – Fire element

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Symmetrical Triangles reflect the symbol of fire and in balance it contributes to igniting wealth.  If the roof is in symmetry with the remaining exterior and landscape it is a greater influence to  the effects of abundance.  


  • Oval Roofs – Metal Element

BeFunky Collage Language of Nature - Metal-RockMetal is not considered a good element for homes and  this style of roof is favored for industrial and sports complexes, and not so much in homes.   


  • Flat – Earth on Vertical Buildings and Wood on Horizontal Buildings

20150723_200304-2Flat roofs are an unfavorable design for buildings under 4 levels  as they are considered to be unbalanced and unlucky.  An example is in areas of great snowfall – these roofs are difficult to clear and can collapse under the weight of the snow!  In storms water can collect without good drainage representing stagnant water.  


  • Sunken or Caved In Roofs

These are unfavorable shape as they have negative effects on relationships between families, especially between parents and their children. They are disharmonious and  show  discord.


  • Roof Top Gardens – Earth and Wood Elements

Screenshot_2015-08-05-17-32-50It is interesting that  in traditional feng shui 5 element theory it is good luck to paint your roof top green to reflect a wood element which supports the fire element .  Fire stimulates finances! However if one is planting a roof top garden consideration must be given to water features and spaciousness of the plantings.  After all, water puts fire out, rushing water is draining and stagnant water is lethargy!  Philosophically, it also represents moving earth to heaven.  Heaven is loftier action while earth is grounding and settling.    Read more on Roof Top garden


For more:


If you are longing for a personal consultation please inquire privately:
renee@insideawareness.com.

Renee Lindstrom offers:
Indoor & Outdoor Landscape Life & Wellness Consulting & Coaching which enhances relationships, emotions and flexible movement awareness!

LANDSCAPE CONVERSATIONS – Moving earth to heaven!

2015-06-21 10.40.36Renee Lindstrom  & Guest Writer ~ Dyan Grant Francis

  • Observations Written by Renee Lindstrom,
  • Personal Perspectives by Renee Lindstrom &  Dyan Grant Francis individually

Observations of Property

This entrance of this new office building faces a four lane road way transitioning into a five lane one at a busy intersection and  a driveway to  a busy strip mall on the other side of it.  The cross walk  to and from the strip mall sidewalk is down the block at the intersection. There is another  strip mall behind and out of view that is disconnected to this new office building.  It has been built on the property on a separate corner separated by parking and facing the other way so that it’s back faces the shopping areas.  The building entrance is slightly recessed and has a large black overhang with vertical bars and windows and the doorway itself is framed with the main floor bank motifs.  The building is an earth shape, has a flat roof and  a mid section vertical extension side with vertical wood strips.  The flat roof has a roof garden.  Off to the side one can see a vertical bar overhang.

Numerological Office Building Number

  • 6 reflects – home, love, children, beauty, the arts, generosity, nurturing & caring

Cardinal Direction of Front Door – South/West 

An entrance way facing this direction is an earth element.  This direction is considered to be the Love & Relationship doorway and it represents Partnerships.

Read more on the the 5 elements


Personal Perspectives by Renee Lindstrom

The building’s shape reflects the element of earth as does the south-west facing front entrance.   The direction is consider the relationship doorway reflecting partnerships.  Numerology suggests this address will focus on community, creativity, and projects. With both together this building and address could be a great place for partnerships and innovation.  The bank is an excellent business for this site, as a bank is usually about  partnering to help people with  creating their dreams!

A few concerns that pop out immediately are; the placement of the address numbers, the black extension over the front entrance, the roof top garden and the front entrance facing driveway of the strip mall across the street.

  • The address numbers are not drawing one’s attention to the front entrance but rather away to the far corner.  The building is not on a walking thoroughfare, it is a destination most would drive too and not easy to arrive at.  The number would be seen after driving by in one direction and possibly missed from other directions.
  • The black overhand adds a threatening visual over the front entrance and darkens it.  The threat continues with the vertical bars that extend out even further.  These bars visually look as though they are over the window adding a sense of danger and the need for security.
  • The higher up you go in a building the more it reflects higher aspiration.  For example, the ground level is earth and the top floor is heaven.   If the top floor is being converted into earth for a garden it would be advantageous to keep it simple with a lighter influence reducing the need for water.  Rushing water is considered to wash away higher aspiration and stagnant water dulls the flow of vitality. A tradition in feng shui  is that flat roofs do not do well under four floors.  More on roof styles.

The front entrance faces a roadway with cars rushing by quickly or stopping for red lights.  It also faces an exit where cars would drive up facing it while stopping to turn either let or right.  The cars aimed at the front door would be considered unlucky secret arrows aimed at the door and the thorough fare rushing waterways, also unlucky. This may be the reason for the front entrance overhang.  It may be trying to protect the entrance!  


Personal Perspectives by Dyan Grant Francis – coming soon.


If you are longing for a personal consultation please inquire privately:
renee@insideawareness.com.

Renee Lindstrom offers:
Indoor & Outdoor Landscape Life & Wellness Consulting & Coaching which enhances relationships, emotions and flexible movement awareness!
Workshops and Events

.

*Contact Dyan Grant Francis @  The Maturing Edge


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Be aware of Sharp Corners

Corners

Sharp corners are considered to be disturbing because they represent unseen arrows. Hence their name, secret arrows.   Recommendations are to  have bed, desk and sitting area placements free of these secret arrows aimed towards them.

Sharp corners are cutting lines of harmful energy that when projected at  you or your home, front door or yourself represent loss of health, wellness and finances.  Exterior secret arrows are considered more harmful than interior.


If you are longing for a personal consultation please inquire privately:
renee@insideawareness.com.  Renee Lindstrom offers:

Indoor & Outdoor Landscape Life & Wellness Consulting & Coaching which enhances relationships, emotions and flexible movement awareness!
Workshops and Events

LANDSCAPE CONVERSATIONS – Side of a Hill

2015-06-21 10.40.36

Renee Lindstrom  & Guest Writer ~ Dyan Grant Francis

  • Observations Written by Renee Lindstrom,
  • Personal Perspectives by Renee Lindstrom &  Dyan Grant Francis individually

IMG_20150730_070558Observations of Property

This Art Deco/Art Nouveau Design is located on the incline of a hill facing the ocean and backing into the hill.  It has a large circular design, presumed to be the living area, with an oblong shape off to the right.   All the edges are rounded with no sharp corners.    This home is painted completely white including  the trim.  The front door is a light shade of blue-green with the step leading up to front door grey and black metal handrails. There is a round sphere object at the front door and the door itself has a round window.

The landscaping is growing up and starting to block the front yard and facade, versus trimmed and tailored. The shapes of many of the bushes and plants are mirroring the rounded edges and spheres.   There is a sharp edged wall off the front down to the right that leads to a small patch of landscaping that has more round spheres, blue glass and copper, and a grouping of large boulders.   It also appears to have a bird bath.    The neighbors chimney seems close to the property edge and the houses behind loom over this one.

Numerological House Number

  • 3 reflects – body, mind & spirit,  communication, expression, optimism, fun, creativity

Cardinal Direction of Front Door – West 

  • South East – Wood Element – South-East is the prosperity doorway and it’s direction  represents money and abundance.
  • South-East Facing Front Door 

Read more on the the 5 elements


Personal Perspectives by Renee Lindstrom

A great representation of the Metal Element!  Even the added features continue  the metal theme.  These features are;  round window on the door, the round cutout above the door along the roof line,  the parapet, the rounded corners.  The South-East facing front door has rounded cut outs added as a feature and its washed out light blue/green isso light now it could be classified as metal.  A South East facing front door represents the element of wood and metal and wood are in disharmony according to the 5 Element Theory.

The entrance further highlights metal with grey concrete stairs, black metal handrails and round sphere ornaments leading up to the door.  Off to the right there is a concrete retaining wall that is terraced down to the lawn. The angles of this terrace is a fire pattern and could represent a waterfall.   On the lawn at the base of the terraced wall is a feature that includes more round spheres, large boulders and a round concrete bird bath.   This terracing away from the front entrance to me represents a draining away of resources. Rather than drawing in abundance, it is draining away and pooling in this lawn area!  In 5 Element Theory metal creates water. Too much metal too much water.  Water that represents finances and it is washing away.

Beginning in the 21st Century this property was sold.  I was told at the time and remember hearing something in the news to the effect that the new owners did not move into this house but rather blasted the rock behind it without the Municipality giving them permits.  Damage control was needed.   Eventually they built a large house that now looms over this one.  During construction this house sat vacant and was used by the contractors and construction crew.  The owners had the intention to tear it down, yet the community rallied and had the Community declare it an important heritage home.  It still stands and is now lived in.  Now there is another house recently built that is behind and off to the side that is looming over this property.

Originally this house had a perfect placement.  The hill behind protected it’s back and the front faced a body of water.  Now with the land leveled and it being built up behind this placement no longer has the powerful position it once held.

As a practitioner I would want to talk to the current residents to inquire about their experiences and relationships to find out if they match up to the qualities they are hoping for.  It there is a need for balance I would give consideration to the dominate metal features  and my primary focus would be to introduce some of the other 4 elements and stop the flow of water away from the front door.  I would like to investigate the larger sphere shape in comparison to the block shape as well.

On another day I may like to address the  thickening landscaping  in the front which could be an attempt for privacy along a scenic route along the ocean.

Renee Lindstrom


Personal Perspectives by Dyan Grant Francis 

The uniformity of white is the first feature that I notice about this home.  There is no colour contrast or enhancement to add character or interest or diminish the intense metal.  It is stark, cold and ‘loud’ against the natural colours of the hilltop.  However, the curved shape of the home introduced the element of water which drains metal.  The structure of the outer stairs on the hillside is akin to a waterfall…strengthening the water element and again draining metal.  While the colour seems to be most influential, the shape of the structure matches it and begins to create harmony.

The earth element is introduced in the low, flat shape of the building.  While earth creates metal, this feature appears to be secondary in importance to the water’s effect in controlling (draining) the effects of metal.

The fire element is introduced in the placement of this home on the hill.  It is high, hot and exposed.  The effect of the fire element, in this case, brings warmth to the coldness of the metal element.  Fire destroys metal in the destructive cycle of the 5 elements, so this placement is an important feature to increase harmony and balance for this home.

Completing the elements, wood is found in the perennial bushes and shrubs that surround this home.  Their colour and shape offer contrast as well as protection from the harsh winds that flow off the ocean that lies at the bottom of this hill.

Renee has provided good insights into the history of this home and how the changes have affected the elemental balance.  When doing this type of analysis, history is critical for understanding the effects of the changes made by the people who own the home and how that influences the 5 elements of a building.


If you are longing for a personal consultation please inquire privately:
renee@insideawareness.com.  Renee Lindstrom offers:

Indoor & Outdoor Landscape Life & Wellness Consulting & Coaching which enhances relationships, emotions and flexible movement awareness!
Workshops and Events

.

*Contact Dyan Grant Francis @  The Maturing Edge


More on the Language of Nature